OLET1208 Assignment
General Guidelines:
There are two (2) components to this assignment. The first requires you to assess crypto whitepapers
as a means of understanding the merits of crypto-asset projects in circulation. The second component
of this assignment requires to consider a research question from one of the many areas of
development in blockchain/crypto ecosystems (governance, DeFi, AI, RWA tokenisation) and develop
a critical analysis in response.
Clearly specify the chosen question in your response and exercise your discretion in determining how
to address it. The effectiveness of your response will be evaluated based on the strength of your
argument and your adeptness in reasoning with purpose and persuasion. Refer to the marking
guidelines below for further insights on the criteria for evaluation.

Standard University rules around referencing/citation apply.
Total Word Limit: 1,500 words.1
Due Date: 20th December 2024
Weighting: 75%


Category 1 Question (40 marks):

A crypto whitepaper is a foundational document that outlines the technical specifications, objectives,
and implementation details of a cryptocurrency or blockchain project. It serves as both a technical
manual and vision statement, helping investors and users understand the project's purpose,
technology, and potential value.
Introduction: Overview of the project’s goals and objectives.
Problem Statement: Explanation of the issue the project aims to solve.
Solution: How the project addresses this problem with its technology.
Technical Details: Information about the blockchain architecture, consensus mechanisms (e.g., Proof
of Work or Proof of Stake), and cryptographic methods.
Tokenomics: Details about token distribution, supply, use cases, inflation/deflation mechanisms, and
economic models.
Roadmap: Timeline for development milestones and future plans.
Team Information: Details about the team behind the project.
Conclusion: Summary of key points and goals.

1 This does not include referencing, words in figures, or a title page.
Select TWO whitepapers to discuss from ONE category. The purpose of this task is to critically analyse
these whitepapers. You may want to consider some of the questions below in your analyse although
note that not all of these questions are relevant to all tokens so think carefully through your discussion.
Your response should not exceed 800 words.

A list of whitepapers can be found here. These whitepapers relate to projects across a wide spectrum
of categories, including Gaming, DeFi, Layer 1/Layer 2, NFT, storage, amongst many others.
1) What specific problem does each project aim to solve, and how do their proposed solutions
differ?
a. How do these projects differentiate themselves from existing solutions?
b. Are there any red flags in either whitepaper (e.g., vague promises, lack of technical
details)?
2) Analyse the tokenomics of both projects. Discuss token distribution, supply limits (if any), and
use cases.
a. How do they create value?
b. Which project's tokenomics model seems more sustainable in the long term? Why?
c. Evaluate which project has a more realistic implementation timeline and why?
3) What consensus mechanism does each project use (e.g., Proof of Work, Proof of Stake), and
why?
a. Compare the technical architecture of both projects. How do they differ in terms of
scalability, security, or decentralisation?

Category 2 Question (35 marks):
Select ONE of the nine provided research questions and develop a critical analysis in response. Your
analysis should demonstrate thorough consideration of the chosen question and should not exceed
700 words.
1) You're designing a governance system for a Decentralised Autonomous Organisation (DAO):
a. What mechanisms can ensure effective decision-making while maintaining
decentralisation?
b. How can DAOs better align stakeholder interests (relative to traditional structures)
across different time horizons?
c. What solutions exist for managing treasury assets in volatile market conditions?

2) Evaluate the intersection of AI and blockchain technology:
a. How can blockchain enhance AI model transparency and accountability?
b. What are the challenges in implementing decentralised AI systems?
c. How might AI impact blockchain security and scalability?

3) The rise of Institutional DeFi presents unique challenges and opportunities:
a. What infrastructure is needed to support institutional participation in DeFi?
b. How can protocols maintain decentralisation while accommodating institutional
requirements?
c. What role might traditional financial institutions play in the future of DeFi?

4) Consider the evolution of GameFi and tokenised gaming economies:
a. What sustainable economic models can support long-term player engagement?
b. How can GameFi protocols balance gameplay experience with token economics?
c. What role might traditional gaming companies play in the Web3 gaming ecosystem?

5) You are a blockchain developer considering different Layer 2 scaling solutions.
a. Compare and contrast the technical architecture of Optimistic Rollups and Zero-
Knowledge Rollups.
b. What factors should developers consider when choosing between these scaling
solutions?
c. How might these solutions evolve to address future scalability challenges?

6) As a DeFi protocol designer, you're exploring innovative liquidity management systems.
a. Analyse the evolution from traditional AMMs to Concentrated Liquidity Protocols (i.e.
Uniswap v2 to v3).
b. What are the key considerations in designing capital-efficient liquidity pools?
c. How can protocols better protect against impermanent loss while maintaining
competitive yields?

7) Consider the emergence of Real-World Asset (RWA) tokenisation:
a. What are the fundamental challenges in bridging traditional finance with blockchain
technology?
b. How do different tokenisation models address regulatory compliance?
c. Evaluate the potential impact of RWA tokenisation on traditional financial markets.

8) Examine the role of Decentralised Identity (DID) in the Web3 ecosystem:
a. How can DID solutions balance privacy with regulatory requirements?
b. What are the technical challenges in implementing cross-chain identity verification?
c. How might DID systems evolve to support both individual privacy and institutional
needs?

9) Analyse the potential of Social Finance (SocialFi) platforms:
a. How can decentralised social networks monetise without compromising user privacy?
b. What mechanisms can prevent manipulation and ensure authentic engagement?
c. How might SocialFi impact traditional social media business models?



OLET1208 (Assignment) Subject Content Awareness of Issues Critical Thinking Takes a Position
Excellent - HD (85-100)
A markedly exceptional performance
Demonstrates a markedly
exceptional understanding
of the subject matter.
Exhibits a comprehensive
grasp of relevant concepts,
theories, and issues
pertaining to the topic.
Displays an ability to apply
these concepts and theories
to the topic at hand.
Shows evidence of
extensive research and in-
depth knowledge.
Able to link subject content
to broader theories and
concepts in the field.
Demonstrates a comprehensive
awareness of differing
viewpoints related to the topic.
Undertakes a rigorous
assessment of these differing
viewpoints where relevant.
Shows an ability to consider
these viewpoints within the
context of the topic. Uses
viewpoints to enrich
understanding and analysis of
the subject matter.
Demonstrates exceptional
ability to think critically.
Exhibits highly developed skills
in analysis, synthesis, and
evaluation of relevant
information. Uses examples
(analytical, theoretical, or
empirical) with purpose.
Substantiates elements with a
range of traditional and non-
traditional sources.
Thoughtfully presents and
defends a position that reflects
one's own perspective.
Supports position through
logical argument and carefully
selected detail. Builds
arguments to a consistent and
well-articulated conclusion.
Superior – CR + DI (65 -84)
Clearly above average performance
Demonstrates a solid
understanding of the
subject matter.
Shows a thorough grasp of
relevant concepts, theories,
and issues. Some critical
issues or concepts may not
be considered, but overall
understanding is clearly
above average. Displays
ability to apply learned
concepts to the topic.
Shows evidence of
substantial research and
understanding.
Demonstrates an awareness of
different viewpoints related to
the topic. Attempts an
assessment of these differing
viewpoints where relevant.
Some perspectives may lack
depth of consideration or
understanding. Uses viewpoints
to inform understanding and
analysis of the subject matter.
Demonstrates good critical
thinking skills. Shows ability to
interpret, analyse, synthesise,
and evaluate information. Some
elements may lack depth of
analysis or synthesis. Uses a
range of sources to substantiate
elements.
Clearly presents a position and
supports it logically.
Provides appropriate detail to
support the position. Builds
arguments to a logically
coherent conclusion.
Satisfactory – PS (50-64)
A fully competent paper
Demonstrates a basic
understanding of the
subject matter.
Shows a basic grasp of
relevant concepts, theories,
and issues.
Some critical issues or
concepts may not be fully
considered or understood.
Shows ability to apply basic
concepts to the topic.
Evidence of adequate
research and understanding
is present.
Demonstrates a basic awareness
of differing viewpoints.
Asserts viewpoint without
adequately acknowledging or
considering alternatives.
Lacks depth in understanding or
consideration of differing
perspectives.
Limited use of viewpoints to
inform understanding and
analysis.
Demonstrates a basic level of
critical thinking.
Accurate information is
conveyed incorporating relevant
sources and references.
Some elements may lack depth
of analysis, synthesis, or
evaluation.
Uses a limited range of sources
to substantiate elements.
Presents a position and argues
for it logically.
Some supporting detail may be
lacking or not fully relevant.
The conclusion may not fully
align with the arguments
presented.
Unsatisfactory – FA (<50)
An incomplete paper
Demonstrates a poor or
incomplete understanding
of the subject matter.
Fails to demonstrate a basic
grasp of relevant concepts,
theories, and issues.
Critical issues and concepts
are not considered or
understood.
Lacks evidence of research
and understanding.
Fails to demonstrate awareness
of differing viewpoints.
Asserts viewpoints without
evidence or consideration of
alternatives.
Lacks understanding or
consideration of differing
perspectives.
No use of viewpoints to inform
understanding or analysis.
Fails to demonstrate critical
thinking skills.
Information conveyed lacks
accuracy or relevance.
No critical analysis is provided,
and referencing is incomplete.
Elements lack substantiation
from relevant sources.
Fails to present a clear position.
Lacks logical argument or
supporting detail.
The conclusion is unclear or
inconsistent with the arguments
presented.